The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pensioners must opt out of Winter Fuel Payments by 11:59pm on September 20, 2026, to avoid receiving payments of up to £300. Those who fail to opt out and have a total income exceeding £35,000 will have the payment reclaimed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) through tax code adjustments or Self Assessment tax returns.
Eligibility and Payment Amounts
Winter Fuel Payments will be automatically issued to eligible pensioners born before June 28, 1960, in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, starting in November 2026. Payments range from £100 to £300, depending on the recipient's birth date and circumstances during the qualifying week of September 21–27, 2026. For example, those living alone and born between September 28, 1946, and June 27, 1960, will receive £200, while those born before September 28, 1946, will get £300.
Opt-Out Process and Deadline
Pensioners can opt out online before 11:59pm on September 20, 2026, or by calling the helpline before 6pm on September 18, 2026. The DWP requires a National Insurance number for both methods. Once opted out, pensioners will not receive future payments unless they choose to opt back in by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before March 31, 2027, for the 2026–2027 winter.
The DWP stated: “To opt out of getting Winter Fuel Payments, you need to either: complete the opt out form before 11:59pm on 20 September 2026 or call the helpline before 6pm on 18 September 2026.” It added that those with income over £35,000 who do not opt out will have the payment reclaimed by HMRC, noting: “You cannot return it yourself.”
HMRC Reclaim Process
For pensioners with total income above £35,000 who do not opt out, HMRC will automatically reclaim the payment in the following tax year. This could involve deductions from monthly income or requiring self-assessment filers to declare and repay the amount. The process continues until the full payment is recovered.
Pensioners will receive a letter from the DWP in October or November 2026 confirming their payment amount, with disbursements beginning in November and December. Payments are typically deposited into the same account used for State Pension and other benefits.
